Bon Jovi in Dublin for Special Olympics Announcement

July 26, 2016

Special Olympics ambassador Jon Bon Jovi passes a American football to Special Olympics athletes James Kelly and Fiona Bryson. Photo: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland.

Special Olympics Ireland has been chosen as the official charity of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic 2016 between Boston College and Georgia Tech, which takes place on September 3rd in the Aviva Stadium.

Special Olympics Ambassador Jon Bon Jovi was in the Aviva Stadium for the announcement along with Special Olympics Ireland athletes James Kelly and Fiona Bryson. One euro will be donated to Special Olympics Ireland for every ticket bought for the game.

Bon Jovi said: “I have been a supporter of Special Olympics for many years and I have seen the impact throughout the world in terms of driving its message of inclusion and tolerance.

Special Olympics ambassador Jon Bon Jovi passes an Amercian football to Special Olympics athlete James Kelly. Photo: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland.

“It was a real privilege for me to have been a part of the Opening Ceremony of the 2003 Special Olympics World Games and to see first hand the superb job Special Olympics Ireland do for their athletes and families. I would encourage everyone to support this great initiative.”

Matt English, CEO, Special Olympics Ireland, said: “Any money raised will be of great help to support the programme of sports and training we currently offer to 9,100 athletes in 360 clubs around the country.”

Special Olympics ambassador Jon Bon Jovi , pictured with Special Olympics athletes James Kelly and Fiona Bryson, Bon Jovi was at the Aviva Stadium to announce that Special Olympics Ireland has been chosen as the official charity of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Photo: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland.

Over 20,000 visitors from the US are booked to travel for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Trinity College will be the venue for the official Welcome Village and as such will host a variety of social, cultural and business-oriented activities.

In addition to over 100 football squad members per team, Boston College and Georgia Tech are both travelling with a 150 piece strong marching band and cheer-leading troops and the renowned pre-game pep rallies and tailgate parties will be among the many highlights to take place at the Trinity College campus.